Extending standalone router syntax to multi-chassis routers

ABSTRACT

A multi-chassis router allows an administrator to deliver commands from a single interface. Additionally, the multi-chassis router presents a software image consistent with that of a standalone router and uses commands and configurations consistent with those used by a standalone router. The multi-chassis router automatically distributes, processes and responds to administrator commands a single unit, minimizing time required to administer the multi-chassis router. In effect, an administrator does not need to account for the multiple chassis configuration, and an administrator familiar with the control and commands for a standalone router can use that knowledge to effectively control the operation of the multi-chassis router.

This application is continuation of application Ser. No. 11/202,982, filed Aug. 12, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to computer networks and, more particularly, to systems for routing packets within the networks.

BACKGROUND

A computer network is a collection of interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and share resources. In a packet-based network, the computing devices communicate data by dividing the data into small blocks called packets, which are individually routed across the network from a source device to a destination device. The destination device extracts the data from the packets and assembles the data into its original form. Dividing the data into packets enables the source device to resend only those individual packets that may be lost during transmission.

Certain devices, referred to as routers, maintain tables of routing information that describe routes through the network. A “route” can generally be defined as a path between two locations on the network. Upon receiving an incoming data packet, the router examines destination information within the packet to identify the destination for the packet. Based on the destination, the router forwards the packet in accordance with the routing table.

Service providers, for example an Internet service provider, must meet increasing bandwidth demands. This requires service providers to continuously add, replace and upgrade routing equipment within their networks. Equipment replacement and upgrades can be a challenge for service providers. As networks expand, administrative time and costs required to manage routing equipment also increase. As a result, service providers continuously seek to reduce time and expense associated upgrading and managing network routing systems.

One way to meet increasing bandwidth needs is to use multi-chassis routers, routers in which multiple routing devices are physically coupled and configured to operate as a single routing node. Because multi-chassis routers combine resources of multiple routing devices, multi-chassis routers have much higher bandwidth capabilities than standalone routers. For example, the use of multi-chassis routers can simplify and improve routing on a service provider network by consolidating routing functions onto fewer routers. However, the individual configuration and management of each device of a multi-chassis router can be a significant challenge.

SUMMARY

In general, techniques are described for configuring and managing multi-chassis routers. In particular, techniques are described by which a configuration syntax for a standalone router is extended to seamlessly provide multi-chassis router semantics. A control node of the multi-chassis router includes a user interface that provides a single point of configuration for the multi-chassis router. The administrator interacts with the user interface as if he or she is configuring a standalone router. In other words, the control node provides a user interface that allows that administrator to transparently configure the multi-chassis router as if the router were a standalone router. Moreover, the extended configuration syntax allows the administrator to configure the multi-chassis router in an intuitive manner that is generally consistent with the administrator's previous interactions with standalone routers.

For example, upon receiving a configuration command from the administrator, the control node of the multi-chassis router automatically distributes the command to the individual routing devices within the multi-chassis router, which in turn perform the requested configuration command. In this example embodiment, the control node of the multi-chassis router automatically collects any results of the command from each relevant chassis and displays the collected results in a compiled format for the administrator via the user interface.

In a similar manner, the control node may provide a single point of interaction by which the administrator may install and update software on the multi-chassis router. For example, the control node may provide a user interface by which the administrator uploads new or updated software. In turn, the control node manages the distributed installation of the software on the individual routing devices that form the multi-chassis router. Consequently, when installing and maintaining the routing protocols and other software executed by the multi-chassis router, the administrator may interact with the multi-chassis router as if the router were a standalone router.

In one embodiment, a method includes sending a command to two or more chassis within a multi-chassis router having a plurality of chassis. The method further requires receiving responses to the command. The responses include a response from two or more chassis within the multi-chassis router. A combined response is outputted in accordance with a format of a standalone router.

In another embodiment, a multi-chassis router contains a plurality of chassis having respective packet forwarding components. A control node coupled to the plurality of chassis by a set of communication links. For example, the control node may be contained within a routing engine of a switch card chassis. The control node includes a management module to send a command to two or more chassis of the plurality of chassis. The management module also receives responses to the command from two or more chassis of the plurality of chassis, and outputs a combined response in accordance with a format of a standalone router.

In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a configuration command for a multi-chassis router having a plurality of chassis from an administrator. The method also includes automatically forwarding the administrator command to the plurality of chassis for processing without requiring interaction with each of the plurality of chassis by the administrator.

In an embodiment, a computer-readable medium comprises instructions that cause a programmable processor in a network device to send a command to two or more chassis within a multi-chassis router having a plurality of chassis. The instructions also cause the programmable processor to receive a group of responses to the command, wherein the group of responses includes a response from two or more chassis within the multi-chassis router and output a combined response from the group of responses in accordance with a format of a standalone router.

In another embodiment, a method requires selecting one or more chassis of a multi-chassis router having a plurality of chassis. The method further requires sending a command to the selected chassis. The method also requires receiving responses to the command. The responses include a response from each of the selected chassis. The method also includes outputting a combined response in accordance with a format of a standalone router.

Embodiments of the invention may provide one or more advantages. For example, one or more embodiments of the invention reduce the time and expense required to administer multi-chassis routers. E.g., embodiments of the invention may allow an administrator to configure multiple routing devices of a multi-chassis router from a single interface and in a manner consistent with configuration of a standalone router. Administrators already familiar with a standalone router will need little or no re-training in order to administer a multi-chassis router.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example system in which a service-provider network includes a multi-chassis router.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary multi-chassis router that operates in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary control plane of the multi-chassis router of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation the multi-chassis router when responding to a configuration command.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart further illustrating the multi-chassis router forwarding configuration to routing devices within the multi-chassis router.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of the multi-chassis router during installation of software.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example a network having a multi-chassis router and an administrative control device that provides remote administration of the multi-chassis router consistent with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system 2 in which service provider network 6 includes a multi-chassis router 4. In this example, multi-chassis router 4 communicates with edge routers 5A and 5B (“edge routers 5”) to provide customer networks 8A-8C (“customer networks 8”) with access to network 6. As described in further detail below, in one embodiment multi-chassis router 4 includes a switch card chassis (SCC) that operates as a control node and can include, for example, four line card chassis (LCCs) that operate as packet routing devices. The LCCs contain all the physical interfaces for coupling to other devices within network 6, while the SCC controls and routes traffic between the LCCs.

Although not illustrated, service provider network 6 may be coupled to one or more networks administered by other providers, and may thus form part of a large-scale public network infrastructure, e.g., the Internet. Consequently, customer networks 8 may be viewed as edge networks of the Internet. Service provider network 6 may provide computing devices within customer networks 8 with access to the Internet, and may allow the computing devices within the customer networks to communicate with each other. Service provider network 6 may include a variety of network devices other than multi-chassis router 4 and edge routers 5, such as additional routers, switches, servers, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, edge router 5A is coupled to customer network 8A via access link 9A and edge router 5B is coupled to customer networks 8B and 8C via access links 9B and 9C, respectively. Customer networks 8 may be networks for geographically separated sites of an enterprise. Each of customer networks 8 may include one or more computing devices (not shown), such as personal computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, workstations, servers, switches, printers, or other devices. The configuration of network 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary. For example, service provider network 6 may be coupled to any number of customer networks 8. Nonetheless, for ease of description, only customer networks 8A-8C are illustrated in FIG. 1.

Administrator 7 may control, query and monitor multi-chassis router 4 via a user interface, e.g., a command line interface (CLI), presented by multi-chassis router 4. Additionally, administrator 7 may interact with multi-chassis router 4 in other ways, such as a user interface presented by an administrative device (not shown in FIG. 1), which in turn communicates with multi-chassis router 4.

The user interface operates in accordance with a configuration syntax for a standalone router that has been extended to transparently provide and support multi-chassis router semantics. Specifically, the user interface supports a generalized command set of a standalone router to transparently configure and manage multi-chassis router 4. In this manner, the user interface provides a single point of configuration for the multiple routing devices operating within multi-chassis router 4. As a result, administrator 7 is able to interact with the user interface as if he or she is configuring a standalone router. The extended configuration syntax supported by the user interface allows administrator 7 to configure multi-chassis router 4 in an intuitive manner that is generally consistent with the administrator's previous interactions with standalone routers. The control node of multi-chassis router 4 automatically propagates commands and configuration data to each of the routing devices that form the multi-chassis router, and provides automated control over the distributed configuration process.

In a similar manner, the control node may provide a single point of interaction by which administrator 7 may install and update software on multi-chassis router 7. For example, the control node (e.g., the SCC) of multi-chassis router 7 provides a user interface by which administrator 7 uploads new or updated software. In turn, the control node manages a distributed installation process during which the software is installed on the individual routing devices that form multi-chassis router 4. Consequently, when installing and maintaining the routing protocols and other software executed by multi-chassis router 4, administrator 7 may interact with the multi-chassis router as if the router were a standalone router.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary multi-chassis router 120 that operates consistent with the principles of the invention. In this example, multi-chassis router 120 comprises four substantially identical LCCs 128A-128D (“LCCs 128”) and SCC 122.

SCC 122 comprises a centralized routing engine 126 and switch fabric 124. Each of LCCs 128 is contained within a physically separate chassis and includes one of LCC switch fabrics 132A-132D (“switch fabrics 132”), a set of network interface cards 134A-134D (“network interface cards 134”) and one of routing engines 130A-130D (“routing engines 130”). The data plane in SCC 120 provides data flow paths between network interfaces 134 and includes LCC switch fabrics 132 and SCC switch fabric 124 linked by cables 136. The control plane in multi-chassis router 120 is physically separate from the data plane and includes LCC routing engines 130 coupled to SCC routing engine 126 by cables 137. Because the control plane in multi-chassis router 120 is physically separate from the data plane, the front-side bandwidth, i.e., the aggregate capacity of network interfaces 134, is preserved for data packet forwarding.

SCC 122 provides central control of multi-chassis router 120. Central control of multi-chassis router 120 is accomplished in part by using a centralized routing engine, SCC routing engine 126, which provides top-level routing management to multi-chassis router 120. Routing engine 126 serves as the control node of multi-chassis router 120. Routing engine 126 maintains routing information that describes a topology of a network, and derives a forwarding information base (FIB) in accordance with the routing information. Routing engine 126 controls packet forwarding throughout multi-chassis router 120 by installing a FIB in each of LCCs 128 via communication with routing engines 130 over cables 137. Because cables 137 provide a dedicated control plane connection between SCC 122 and LCCs 128, the FIB in each of LCC routing engines 130 is updated without interrupting packet forwarding performance of multi-chassis router 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, SCC 122 includes a single routing engine 126; likewise, each of LCCs 128 comprises a single routing engine 130. In other embodiments, SCC 122 and LCCs 128 may each comprise one or more back-up or active routing engines. Furthermore, a back-up routing engine in one of LCCs 128 or SCC 122 could operate as the primary routing engine for the other chassis within multi-chassis router 120. For example, a back-up routing engine in SCC 122 could serve as one of the primary routing engines 130. Because the control plane operates independently of the data plane, transferring to one or more back-up routing engines does not affect data plane operation.

SCC 122 not only directs data packets between LCCs 128, it also provides a central point of management, configuration and administration of multi-chassis router 120. For example, routing engine 126 of SCC 122 provides a user interface that operates in accordance with a configuration syntax for a standalone router that has been extended to transparently provide and support multi-chassis router semantics for configuration and general administration of LCCs 128.

As one example, a standalone router may include eight slots to receive network interface card concentrators, each network interface card concentrator having four slots to receive network interface cards. There may be, for example, eight network interface card concentrators numerically labeled 0:7. Individual network interface cards in a standalone router may be identified according to a network interface card concentrator number and a slot number, 0:3, within the specified network interface card concentrator. For example, one network interface card of a standalone router may be identified as network interface card concentrator 4, slot 2.

In order to extend this syntax to a multi-chassis router without adding an additional level to the identification hierarchy, network interface card concentrators may be labeled numerically as if they were physically contained in a single chassis. For example, assuming multi-chassis router 120 has four LCCs 128, each may include eight network interface card concentrators. This provides multi-chassis router 120 with a total of thirty-two network interface card concentrators, which may be labeled 0:31. As one example, one of the network interface cards in multi-chassis router 120 may be identified as network interface card concentrator 28, slot 0. As a result, the administrator need not specify the particular chassis on which the network interface concentrator or card resides. As demonstrated with this example, the syntax of a standalone router can be extended for use in a multi-chassis router.

The extended configuration syntax supported by routing engine 126 allows the administrator to provide configuration commands and data as if multi-chassis router 120 were a standalone router. SCC 122 invokes a distributed configuration process in which the commands and configuration data are propagated to each of LCCs 128 and any results or state information provided by the LCCs are compiled and presented to the administrator in a unified fashion.

In a similar manner, SCC 122 may provide a single point of interaction by which the administrator installs and updates software executing on the SCC and LCCs 128. Consequently, when installing and maintaining the routing protocols and other software executed by multi-chassis router 120, the administrator may interact with the multi-chassis router as if the router were a standalone router.

In other embodiments, multi-chassis router 120 may be controlled via an administrative device and/or remote connection, e.g., as described below with respect to FIG. 7.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the control plane of multi-chassis router 120 of FIG. 2 in further detail. In this example, the control plane includes SCC routing engine 126 connected to four LCC routing engines 130A-130D (“routing engines 130”) via dedicated cables 137. Each of LCC routing engines 130 are substantially similar, but for simplicity LCC routing engine 130A is shown in more detail than LCC routing engines 130B-130D.

SCC routing engine 126 comprises user space 142 and kernel space 144. User space 142 includes software for presenting a command line interface (CLI) 146, a management daemon (MGD) 148, a chassis daemon (ChassisD) 150, device configuration daemon (DCD) 151, routing protocol daemon (RPD) 152 and management information base-II daemon (MIB-2D) 153. In other embodiments, user space 142 may comprise other daemons or software modules.

In general, SCC routing engine 126 controls the operation of LCC routing engines 130. Each of LCC routing engines 130 provide an operating environment for a respective one of kernels 156A-156D (“kernels 156”). To ensure compatibility, kernels 156 may be substantially similar to kernel 144 in SCC routing engine 126. In other embodiments, kernels 156 and kernel 144 may be different types of operating systems or different versions of the same operating system. LCC routing engines 130 further comprise user spaces 154A-154D that provide an operating environment for user-level processes, such as MGDs 162A-162D (“MGDs 162”). Each of routing engines 130 may include other daemons or software modules, but for simplicity these are only shown on routing engine 130A. In this example, routing engine 130A includes ChassisD 163A, DCD 164A, RPD 166A and MIB-2D 168A.

An administrator may interact with multi-chassis router 140 via CLI 146 of SCC routing engine 126. For example, an administrator may use telnet or secure shell (SSH) protocol from a remote device to access SSC routing engine 126 and invoke CLI 146. In other embodiments, an administrator may communicate with multi-chassis router 120 via a separate administrative device, e.g., as described in the description of FIG. 7.

CLI 146 operates in accordance with a configuration syntax for a standalone router that is extended to transparently provide and support multi-chassis router semantics for configuration and general administration of LCCs 128. For example, CLI 146 and management daemon 148 responds to commands by automatically controlling the application of the commands to SCC 122 and LCCs 128 and compiling any responses to produce an integrated result for the administrator.

When an administrator issues a command at CLI 146, the command is first processed by MGD 148. If necessary, MGD 148 forwards the command to one or more of ChassisD 150, RPD 152, DCD 151 and/or MIB-2D 153. If the command requires, MGD 148 also forwards the command to one or more of MGDs 162 of LCC routing engines 130. A command forwarded to one or more of LCC routing engines 130 is processed in a similar manner as a command is processed in a standalone router. For example, a command received by LCC 128A is first processed by MGD 162A, which may then forward the command to one or more of ChassisD 163A, DCD 164A, RPD 166A and MIB-2D 168A. Furthermore, LCCs 128 may receive and process the same commands as standalone routers, i.e., in the manner the commands are presented to and processed by standalone routers.

For example, an administrator issues a SHOW CHASSIS HARDWARE command at CLI 146 in SCC routing engine 126, where it is received by MGD 148. MGD 148 determines the SHOW CHASSIS HARDWARE command requires a response from each of LCCs 128 and forwards the command to each of MGDs 162. Each of MGDs 162 forwards the command to a ChassisD, e.g., MGD 162A forwards the SHOW CHASSIS HARDWARE command to ChassisD 163A. Each ChassisD of LCCs 128 replies to the respective one of MGDs 162 with inventory and status information for the hardware of the corresponding LCC. MGDs 162 then forward their respective the hardware inventory and status information to MGD 148.

In addition, MGD 148 forwards the SHOW CHASSIS HARDWARE command to ChassisD 150 of SCC routing engine 126, which process the command and replies with an inventory and status information for the SCC 136.

MDG 148 compiles the inventory and status information from each of LCCs 128 with the inventory information for SCC 122, and presents the compiled information to the administrator via CLI 146 in an integrated form as if multi-chassis router 120 where a standalone router. The administrator receives the information in the compiled format, including the responses from each of LCCs 128 and SCC 122.

For example, the compiled format may number each network interface card within multi-chassis router 120 using sequential integers to label network interface card concentrators, e.g., 0:31, and slots of each of the network interface card concentrators, e.g., 0:3, without an indication of the particular chassis that contains each network interface card. In other embodiments, the compiled format of multi-chassis router 120's response may list the inventory of each chassis under a separate heading. For example, LCCs 128 may be labeled LCC0:LCC3 in the compiled format, and following each LCC label would be a list of the network interface cards, routing engines, switch cards, and other physical hardware present in that LCC. Likewise, the compiled format would include the physical elements of SCC 122. For example, physical hardware elements commonly contained within each chassis of a multi-chassis router not shown in FIG. 2 or 3, include, but are not limited to, routing engines, packet forwarding engines, cooling fans, memory and switch fabric card slots. These elements may also be individually labeled using sequential integers. Individual labels for each hardware element within multi-chassis router 120 allow an administrator to monitor, test and configure hardware elements within multi-chassis router 120 without regard to the physical location of the hardware elements.

Other commands may require MGD 148 to forward a request to any one or more of ChassisD 150, RPD 152, DCD 151, and MIB-2D 153. However, each administrator command is received via CLI 146 and processed by MGD 148. Then, depending on the particular command, MGD 148 may interrogate one or more of ChassisD 150, DCD 151, RPD 152, MIB-2D 153 and MGDs 162. MGD 148 receives and compiles responses from LCCs 128 and internal SCC responses and presents a system response to an administrator via CLI 146.

In this embodiment, routing engine 126 operates as the control node of multi-chassis router 120. In other embodiments, a control node including a user interface for administration of multi-chassis router 120 may be part of one of LCCs 128 or a separate administrative device. Some embodiments may have more than one control node.

In addition to supporting extended configuration syntax and integrated responses, the control plane of multi-chassis router 120 shown in FIG. 3 provides a single interface point that receives configuration data and automatically and transparently distributes the new configuration data to each chassis within multi-chassis router 120.

For example, SCC routing engine 126 may receive a new configuration file from the administrator and store the file within configuration data 147. MGD 148 then forwards the new configuration file to LCC MGDs 162 for validation. In this manner, SCC 122 can internally validate the configuration file in parallel with the validation performed by each of LCCs 128, thereby limiting the time required to reconfigure multi-chassis router 120. Once the configuration file has been validated by all chassis, MGD 148 informs the administrator that the new configuration file has been validated. An administrator may then issue a single COMMIT command, which MGD 148 transparently propagates to each MGD 162 as described previously in this section. Alternatively, in response to a failed validation or for other reason, an administrator can issue a single ROLLBACK command, in which case MGD 148 automatically cancels the configuration data issued to each chassis within multi-chassis router 120, and each chassis would retain its current configuration.

In one embodiment, a configuration file for multi-chassis router 120 may contain configuration data for every chassis of multi-chassis router 120 and, therefore, can be relatively large as compared to a configuration file for a standalone router. In general, validation of a new configuration file can require significant system resources, and commit times to update configuration files in multi-chassis router 120 can substantially exceed commit times in a standalone router. However, only a portion of a configuration file is relevant to the operation of LCCs 128, with the remaining portion being relevant to SCC 130. For example, interface configuration may be relevant to the operation of LCCs 128, while firewall configurations may be only relevant to the operation of SCC 122.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, prior to forwarding a new configuration file to LCC MGDs 162, filter module 149 in MGD 149 determines which portions of the configuration file are relevant to LCCs 128. Filter module 149 may uses metadata in the configuration database to decide which objects are relevant for LCCs 128. For example, metadata objects which are not relevant to LCCs 128 may be marked in the configuration file. Objects which are not relevant to LCCs 128 may include routing-options, protocols, policy-options, firewall, class-of-service and access. Only unmarked, and therefore presumably relevant, objects are included in a pruned configuration file. In an alternative embodiment, filter module 149 may select configuration data according to a list of metadata objects rather than looking for marked portions of configuration data. In either case, SCC MGD 148 sends only the pruned configuration file, which is much smaller than the entire configuration file, to each of LCCs 128.

While LCC MGDs 162 process only the pruned configuration file, SCC MGD 148 processes the new configuration file in its entirety. Alternatively, SCC MGD 148 may process only that portion relevant to SCC 122.

In addition, in order to decrease the time and system resources required to validate the new configuration file, MGD 148 may determine what objects changed between iterations of the configuration. For this process, only objects that changed from the previous configuration iteration are analyzed in more detail during validation. More detailed analysis may include, for example, validating the new configuration data corresponds to the physical hardware in multi-chassis router 120 and conforms to defined syntactical and semantic rules. Furthermore, only those objects that changed since the previous iteration are acted on by the relevant daemons. While LCC MGDs 162 only validate the pruned new configuration file, MGDs 162 may further decrease the time and resources required to validate the pruned file also by only acting on changed objects, just as MGD 148. Reducing the complexity and volume of configuration data for validation not only reduces commit times, but may also reduce or minimize any possible degradation in packet-forwarding functions of multi-chassis router 120 during the validation.

In addition, CLI 146 and SCC routing engine 126 may provide a single point of interaction by which the administrator installs and updates software executing on the SCC and LCCs 128. Consequently, when installing and maintaining the routing protocols and other software executed by multi-chassis router 120, the administrator may interact with the multi-chassis router as if the router were a standalone router.

For example, to perform a system-wide software installation an administrator may first download the new software onto SCC 122, e.g., using file transfer protocol (FTP) commands via CLI 146. MGD 148 automatically and transparently forwards the downloaded software to each of LCCs 128. MGD may forward the new software to each of LCCs 128 either serially or in parallel. Then SCC 122 and LCCs 128 each independently validate the software to be installed or updated. For example, validation of the new software may include checking syntax and or comparing the current configuration for compatibility with the new software. MGD 148 collects validation information from each of MGS 162 and communicates the result of the validations to an administrator.

An administrator may then issue a single command to complete the installation of the new software on the various chassis. Alternatively, in response to a failed validation or for other reason, an administrator can issue a single command to cancel the software installation in each chassis. To install the software, MGDs 148 and 162 copy the downloaded software into active directories, e.g., a boot directory. Each of LCCs 128 and SCC 122 may then perform an in service software upgrade, loading the new software.

The above-described processes, including command-forwarding, configuration data propagation and software installation, involve a single interface (e.g., CLI 146) that provide a unified view to managing multi-chassis router 120 as if the router were a standalone router. In some embodiments, multi-chassis router 120 may also allow an administrator to selectively communicate directly with each chassis. For example, an administrator may communicate directly with LCC 128A to change configuration data only for LCC 128A. In other embodiments, an administrative device maybe able to communicate individually with each chassis or with multi-chassis router 120 in its entirety.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of multi-chassis router 120 when responding to a command. For purposes of illustration, the flowchart will be described in reference to multi-chassis router 120 from FIG. 2 and the control plane of multi-chassis router 120 shown in FIG. 3.

Initially, an administrator inputs a command at CLI 146 of SCC routing engine 126 (171). For example, the command may comprise a SHOW CHASSIS HARDWARE command. MGD 148 of SCC routing engine 126 processes the command and forwards the request to the required daemons (172). For example, MGD 148 may forward the request to one or more of ChassisD 150, DCD 151, RPD 152, and MIB-2D 153 within SCC routing engine 126 (173) and/or to one or more of LCC routing engines 130 (174).

MGDs 162 of LCCs 128 process an administrator command received from MGD 148 and may forward the command to one or more daemons within LCC routing engines 130 (175). For example, MGD 162A may forward the request to one or more of ChassisD 163A, DCD 164A, RPD 166A, and MIB-2D 168A. MGDs 162 receive and compile responses including responses from daemons within LCC routing engines 130, if necessary (176). Next, MGD 148 receives responses from daemons within SCC routing engine 126, or one of routing engines 130, or any combination thereof (178). Regardless, MGD 148 compiles the LCC responses, if any, with the internal SCC response (178) and presents a system response to an administrator at CLI 146 (179).

For example, an administrator issues a “SHOW CHASSIS HARDWARE LCC 0” command. The command is consistent with single router syntax with the additional term “LCC 0,” which restricts the command to a single LCC. In this case, assume LCC 0 corresponds to LCC 128A in FIG. 2. MGD 148 forwards the SHOW CHASSIS HARDWARE command to only LCC 128A (174). MGD 162A receives the command and forwards it to ChassisD 163A (175). ChassisD 163A responds to MGD 162A with an inventory of the hardware on LCC 128A. MGD 162A forwards this response to MGD 148 of SCC 122 (176). MGD 148 receives the response (178) and presents it to an administrator via CLI 146 (179).

In this manner, multi-chassis router 120 automatically recognizes, processes and responds to the same or similar commands as a standalone router. Thus, an administrator who operates both multi-chassis routers and standalone routers is only required to learn one set of commands. Further, the techniques may reduce the amount of time required to administer multi-chassis router 120 because an administrator can perform system-wide operations in a single step rather than repeating the operations for each chassis.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of multi-chassis router 120 when forwarding configuration data. Initially, SCC routing engine 126 receives a new configuration file from an administrator and stores it within configuration data 147 (201). In some embodiments, an administrator may deliver the configuration file via an administrative device, as shown in FIG. 7.

Next, filter module 149 of MGD 149 determines which portions of the configuration file are relevant to LCCs 128 (202). For example, filter module 149 may use a list of metadata objects to select portions of the new configuration file. Filter module 149 then forms a pruned configuration file, which includes only the selected configuration data, which is relevant to LCCs 128. SCC MGD 148 sends the pruned configuration file to each of LCCs 128 (204). For example, the new configuration file may be hundreds of kilobytes in size and the pruned configuration file sent to each of LCCs 128 may be less than half the size of the new configuration file. In some embodiments, LCCs 128 may receive identical sets of configuration data; in other embodiments, LCCs 128 may receive different sets of configuration data.

Next, MGDs 162 and 148 simultaneously validate the new configuration file (206). For example, validation of the new configuration file can include validating that the new configuration data corresponds to the physical hardware in multi-chassis router 120 and conforms to defined syntactical and semantic rules. Validating the new configuration file may include limiting complex processes of validation to new configuration data as described previously in the description of FIG. 4.

The result of the validation on all chassis is collected by MGD 148. In some embodiments, if the configuration data in each chassis is valid, MGD 148 will automatically issue a COMMIT command to each of LCCs 128 and to itself. In other embodiments, an administrator must enter the COMMIT command after receiving the validation results via CLI 146. In either case, LCC MGDs 162 commit the changes by copying the new pruned configuration file into an active directory and replacing the previous configuration data within a configuration database (208). MGD 148 also performs a commit operation by copying the new, unpruned configuration file into an active directory within configuration data 147 to replace the previous configuration data file. MGDs 162 each send a commit confirmation to SCC 122, where it is received by MGD 148 (210).

Alternatively, in response to a failed validation or for other reason, MGD 148 will automatically issue a ROLLBACK command to each of LCCs 128 and to itself (214). In other embodiments, an administrator must enter the ROLLBACK command after receiving the validation results via CLI 146 (214). The ROLLBACK command cancels the configuration data change and the previous configuration data remains in the active directory within each chassis. Each chassis within multi-chassis router 120 retains its current configuration.

After performing the commit or rollback, MGD 148 compiles the commit confirmation results or, alternatively, the rollback results from each chassis and presents these results to an administrator via CLI 148 (218).

The technique for distributing configuration data shown in FIG. 5 may be modified in different embodiments. For example, each chassis of a multi-chassis network device may receive a full set of configuration data. In such embodiments, filtering configuration data (202) is not required.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of multi-chassis router 120 when installing software. The administrator initiates the software installation, e.g., by issuing an install software command via CLI 146 or other suitable mechanism (301). In response, MGD 148 may download the new software onto SCC 122 (302), and forward all or part of the downloaded software to each of LCCs 128 (304). MGD 148 may forward the new software to each of LCCs 128 either serially or in parallel. Then SCC 122 and LCCs 128 independently validate the new software (306). For example, validation of the new software may include checking syntax and or comparing the current configuration for compatibility with the new software. MGD 148 collects validation information from each of MGS 162 and compiles a result (306). At this time MGD 148 may also communicate the result of the validations to an administrator.

If the software installation is valid, MGD 148 issues a single command to complete the installation of the new software (308). In other embodiments, an administrator is required to enter the command after receiving the validation results via CLI 146 (308). Upon receiving the command, MGDs 148 and 162 copy the downloaded software into active directories (308). For example, each of MGDs 148 and 162 may copy their copy of the new software into a boot directory. Each of LCCs 128 and SCC 122 may then perform an in service software upgrade, loading the new software (308).

Alternatively, in response to a failed validation or for other reason, MGD 148 may automatically issue a command to each of LCCs 128 to cancel the installation (314). In other embodiments, an administrator must enter the command after receiving the validation results via CLI 146 (314). The command cancels the installation, the previous software remains in the boot directory of each chassis and the chassis do not perform an in service software upgrade.

After performing the commit or rollback, MGD 148 compiles the commit confirmation results or, alternatively, the rollback results from each chassis and presents these results to an administrator via CLI 148 (318).

The technique for software installation shown in FIG. 6 may be modified in different embodiments. For example, each chassis of a multi-chassis network device may receive different software. With respect to multi-chassis router 120, for example, software for LCCs 128 may consist of a portion of the software for SCC 122. In other embodiments, some chassis may each receive entirely different software.

FIG. 7 is an example system 400 comprising network 402 including administrative control device 408 allowing remote control of routers on network 402 according to an embodiment of the invention. Routers shown on network 402 include multi-chassis routers 404A and 404B (“multi-chassis routers 404”) and standalone router 406. In other embodiments, there may be more or less routers controlled by administrative device 408 connected to network 402. Network 402 also includes remote connection 410, which allows administrator 407 to communicate with administrative device 408 via network 402. In other embodiments, administrator 407 may communicate directly with administrative device 408. Administrative device 408 can perform the administrative tasks performed by SCC 122 as described in the descriptions of FIGS. 2-6.

For example, administrative device 408 can receive commands from administrator 407 at remote connection 410 to control any of multi-chassis router 404 and/or standalone router 406. For example, remote connection 410 may be a telnet connection. Administrative device 408 can communicate directly with each chassis of multi-chassis routers 404, thereby reducing the administrative tasks which must be performed by the SCCs of multi-chassis routers 404. For example, administrative device 408 may store a copy of software to be installed on multi-chassis router 404A. Administrator 407 may issue an INSTALL SOFTWARE command via remote connection 410. In response, administrative device 408 would send the software directly to each chassis of multi-chassis router 404A. In this manner, the SCC of multi-chassis router 404A need not have to send a copy of the software to each LCC of multi-chassis router 404A. Furthermore, administrative device 408 may be able to send software to each chassis of multi-chassis router 404A simultaneously, resulting in a reduced commit time for the software installation compared to downloading software sequentially. In the same manner, configuration files and commands can be propagated from administrative device 408 to each chassis of multi-chassis routers 408.

Administrative device 408 may simplify the administration of multi-chassis routers 404 and standalone router 406. For example, administrator 407 only has to communicate with administrative device 408 rather than with each of multi-chassis routers 404 and standalone router 406 to operate each of multi-chassis routers 404 and standalone router 406. For example, an administrator may interact with administrative device 408 to install new operating system software on each of multi-chassis routers 404 and standalone router 406 with a single administrator command via remote connection 410 to administrative device 408.

Furthermore, administrative device 408 could contain multiple versions of operating software for multi-chassis routers 404 and standalone router 406. Administrator 407 could easily download, install and test new operating software on routers 404 and/or standalone router 406 and revert back to the old software version stored on administrative device 408. Administrative device 408 may also serve as a back-up of current configuration data and software for each of multi-chassis routers 404 and standalone router 406. As other examples of the administrative capabilities of administrative device 408, routing protocol or firewall settings may be changed for each of multi-chassis routers 404 and standalone router 406 by a single administrator command via remote connection 410 to administrative device 408.

The administrative capabilities of administrative device 408 are not limited to the examples given in this description. As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, administrative device 408 may be used to control any facet of the operation of multi-chassis routers 404 and standalone router 406. For example, by communicating directly with each chassis within multi-chassis routers 404, administrative device 408 can perform the operations performed by MGD 184 as described in the description of FIGS. 3-6 including, but not limited to, command forwarding, configuration file pruning and forwarding and software installation.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A method of configuring a multi-chassis router having a plurality of chassis, wherein each of the plurality of chassis includes a different set of hardware elements, the method comprising: receiving, from a user via a user interface of the multi-chassis router, a command to configure one or more of the hardware elements of the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis, wherein the command conforms to a syntax of a standalone router, and wherein the syntax allows the user to specify each hardware element in the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis as one of a single set of hardware elements of the standalone router; sending, with a management module executing on a processor of the multi-chassis router, the command to two or more of the chassis within the multi-chassis router; receiving, with the management module, responses to the command, wherein the responses include a response from two or more chassis within the multi-chassis router; and outputting, with the management module, a combined response to the user interface in accordance with the syntax of the standalone router.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising formatting the combined response using sequential labels to represent each of the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis of the multi-chassis router as if the hardware elements were located within a single chassis of the standalone router.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending the command to routing engines contained within two or more chassis of the multi-chassis router.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving the command with a routing engine of a first chassis of the plurality of chassis; outputting at least one of the responses from the routing engine of the first chassis to a routing engine of a second chassis of the plurality of chassis; and outputting the combined response from the routing engine of the second chassis.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the command from an administrative device connected to the multi-chassis router via a network.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the command is communicated to the two or more chassis in accordance with the syntax of the standalone router.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the command includes configuration data, and wherein sending the command comprises: selecting one or more of the chassis; for each of the selected chassis, selecting a respective portion of the configuration data of the command that is relevant to the selected chassis; and sending only the respective portions of the configuration data and not other portions of the configuration data to each of the selected chassis.
 8. A multi-chassis router comprising: a plurality of chassis having respective packet forwarding components, wherein each of the of the plurality of chassis includes a different set of hardware elements; and a control node coupled to the plurality of chassis by a set of communication links, wherein the control node includes a management module to: receive, from a user via a user interface, a command to configure one or more of the hardware elements of the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis, wherein the command conforms to a syntax of a standalone router, and wherein the syntax allows the user to specify each hardware element in the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis as one of a single set of hardware elements of the standalone router, send the command to two or more chassis of the plurality of chassis, receive responses to the command from two or more chassis of the plurality of chassis, and output a combined response to the user interface in accordance with the syntax of the standalone router.
 9. The multi-chassis router of claim 8, wherein the management module formats the combined response using sequential labels to represent each of the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis of the multi-chassis router as if the hardware elements were located within a single chassis of the standalone router.
 10. The multi-chassis router of claim 8, further comprising a switch card chassis, wherein the management module is included within a centralized routing engine of the switch card chassis.
 11. The multi-chassis router of claim 10, further comprising one or more line card chassis, wherein each line card chassis includes a routing engine, wherein the routing engines included in each line card chassis receive the command from the management module, processes the command in substantially the same manner as if the line card chassis were operating as a standalone router.
 12. The multi-chassis router of claim 8, wherein the command is a command requesting a configuration of the multi-chassis router, wherein the management module receives responses from the plurality of chassis specifying respective configuration information, and wherein the management module outputs a combined response that presents the configuration information from the plurality of chassis as if the multi-chassis router were a standalone router having a single chassis.
 13. The system of claim 8, further comprising an administrative device connected to the multi-chassis router via a network, wherein the administrative device includes the user interface.
 14. The multi-chassis router of claim 8, wherein the command includes configuration data, and wherein when the management module sends the command, the management module: selects one or more of the chassis; for each of the selected chassis, selects a respective portion of the configuration data of the command that is relevant to the selected chassis; and sends only the respective portions of the configuration data and not other portions of the configuration data to each of the selected chassis.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that cause a programmable processor in a network device to: receive, from a user via a user interface of a multi-chassis router having a plurality of chassis, wherein each of the plurality of chassis includes a different set of hardware elements, a command to configure one or more of the hardware elements of the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis, wherein the command conforms to a syntax of a standalone router, and wherein the syntax allows the user to specify each hardware element in the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis as one of a single set of hardware elements of the standalone router; send, with a management module of the multi-chassis router, the command to two or more of the chassis within the multi-chassis router; receive, with the management module, responses to the command, wherein the responses include a response from two or more chassis within the multi-chassis router; and output, with the management module, a combined response to the user interface in accordance with the syntax of the standalone router.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, comprising further instructions that cause the programmable processor to format the combined response using sequential labels to represent each of the different sets of hardware elements in the plurality of chassis of the multi-chassis router as if the hardware elements were located within a single chassis of the standalone router.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, comprising further instructions that cause the programmable processor to send the command to routing engines contained within two or more chassis of the multi-chassis router.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, comprising further instructions that cause the programmable processor to: receive the command with a routing engine of a first chassis of the plurality of chassis; output at least one of the responses from the routing engine of the first chassis to a routing engine of a second chassis of the plurality of chassis; and output the combined response from the routing engine of the second chassis.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, comprising further instructions that cause the programmable processor to send the command to the two or more chassis in accordance with the syntax of the standalone router.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the command includes configuration data, the non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising further instructions that cause the programmable processor to: select one or more of the chassis; for each of the selected chassis, select a respective portion of the configuration data of the command that is relevant to the selected chassis; and send only the respective portions of the configuration data and not other portions of the configuration data to each of the selected chassis. 